Nightfall.
The engagement party of the Sheng family's second daughter and the Huo family's second son was in full swing aboard a luxury cruise ship.
"Hey, doesn’t the Sheng family have an eldest daughter too? Logically speaking, shouldn’t such a prestigious match with the Huo family have gone to her?"
"Oh, you didn’t know? The eldest and second daughters of the Sheng family are half-sisters! The second daughter is the legitimate heir—of course, a grand alliance like this would fall to her!"
"But I heard the second daughter just returned from abroad. How could they get engaged without even meeting first…"
Every word of the guests’ gossip reached Sheng Qiqing’s ears.
She lowered her head, smoothing out her server’s uniform, then picked up a tray and weaved through the crowd of guests.
Meanwhile, Sheng An’an stood to the side in a pale blue strapless gown, clutching a wine glass as she listened to the chatter about the engagement. Her expression darkened with each passing remark until, with a furious click of her heels, she stormed out of the venue.
Seeking refuge from the noise, Sheng An’an headed back to her room, already crafting an excuse to skip the rest of the event. But on her way, she spotted Huo Jiazé slumped against the wall, his face flushed an unnatural red as he clawed at his tie.
"Jiazé?!" Sheng An’an gasped, rushing over to help him up.
The cool touch of her fingers made Huo Jiazé shudder violently. His glazed eyes struggled to focus on her. "An’an?"
"It’s me." She pressed a hand to his forehead and recoiled at the scorching heat. "Jiazé, what’s wrong with you?"
Seeing him like this, Sheng An’an bit her lip, conflict flashing in her eyes.
It was obvious—someone had drugged him.
No matter who was behind it, the fact that she was the one who found him could only mean fate itself was against Huo Jiazé and Sheng Qiqing being together.
What if… what if she became the bride instead?
A sudden surge of joy welled up inside Sheng An'an as she watched Huo Jiazhe's discomfort, solidifying her resolve.
"Jiazhe, let me help you back to your room to rest," she said softly.
Dazed and barely coherent, Huo Jiazhe didn't quite catch her words, but the warmth of her presence was soothing. Unconsciously, he let himself be guided by her.
Only after the two disappeared down the hallway did Sheng Qiqing step out from the shadows, her eyes flickering with confusion.
*How could it be Sheng An'an?!*
*Where was the person I arranged?*
Her father had schemed to make her the second young mistress of the Huo family, hoping to forge connections with them. A clever plan, indeed.
The Huo family was one of the most powerful elites in City A, their influence spanning countless industries. Just the mention of the legendary eldest Huo heir was enough to send people scrambling, eager to dress their daughters up like gifts and send them into the Huo household—never mind formal recognition.
"Sheng An'an... I never expected you to beat me to it," Sheng Qiqing muttered under her breath before turning to leave.
Then, abruptly, she froze.
Her smirk stiffened on her face.
Her gaze locked onto the man standing not far away, and unease prickled through her.
*Had he overheard everything she just said?*
Tall and lean, the man wore a sleek black suit, his striking features accentuated by a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.
Sheng Qiqing glanced behind her—no one else was around. Stealthily, she approached him and stopped just short.
"Sir... how long have you been standing here?" she asked cautiously.
The man's slender dark eyes flicked toward her, his voice icy. "After those two left."
Sheng Qiqing: "..."
So he'd heard everything?
She smacked her forehead in dismay.
Oh... this was bad. Really bad.